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New additions not expected to be quick fix

New additions not expected to be quick fix

SEATTLE -- The Mariners are hoping their roster shakeup helps put a stop to their offensive struggles, but Ryan Langerhans and Josh Wilson, promoted on Monday, aren't expected to be a quick fix.

"We've talked about the need for more production in our lineup, but these are two guys career-wise who, on paper, are not going to be a big impact," said manager Don Wakamatsu. "It does give us the freedom to give guys a day off here and there, or to be able to make defensive replacements if we have to.

"These weren't as much offensive moves as defensive moves."

Langerhans gives the Mariners a backup center fielder for Franklin Gutierrez, who has played every game this season.

"There's times when he'll get a little bit tired, and we didn't really have that option of putting anybody out in center field," Wakamatsu said. "Langerhans gives us coverage in all three positions in a guy we're comfortable with."

Any offensive contribution would be welcome, however.

"Any time you come in and want to try to be the guy or something, baseball's such a team game, it takes away from the team aspect of it," Langerhans said. "My game is just trying to get on base, play good defense and hopefully be a guy who can come through in a pinch at times."

In 12 games with Triple-A Tacoma, Langerhans went 11-for-39 (.282) with five doubles, seven walks and 11 strikeouts. He had one Major League at-bat this season before being sent down, a pinch-hit flyout in the ninth inning of Seattle's 6-5 loss to Oakland on April 7.

Wilson fared better during his time in Tacoma, hitting .333 with 11 doubles, a triple and 15 strikeouts in 81 at-bats.

He credits the hot start to his decision to re-sign with the Mariners in December. Mutual trust with Wakamatsu and hitting coach Alan Cockrell gave Wilson time to improve his swing at his own pace, and he said he's swinging with confidence as a result.

"They knew that I could hit, and they trusted me to get things going," Wilson said. "That's a huge tribute to them. That's why I think I've enjoyed some success early in the season in Triple-A, and I think here's going to be no different. I don't know if I'll keep hitting .333 up here, but I think I'll be able to provide some offense."